Yamadera Tsuneyama Residence

Overview

The Yamadera Tsuneyama Residence is the former home of Yamadera Tsuneyama, a figure comparable to Sakuma Shozan in the late Edo period Matsushiro Domain. It's free to visit. This was the residence of a mid-ranking samurai family of the Matsushiro Domain, and it's said that Yamadera Tsuneyama was born here at the end of the Edo period. Tsuneyama was a samurai and a military scholar who later opened a private school to educate his students. From a young age, he dedicated himself to learning, particularly military science. He later served the Sanada family, the lords of the Matsushiro Domain, and participated in domain reforms. In his later years, he opened a school and nurtured many young people. Tsuneyama is still remembered by the people of Matsushiro as a figure who greatly contributed to the cultural development of the Matsushiro Domain. The residence is strikingly beautiful, reflecting the elegant sensibilities of its owner. The view from the tea room is particularly stunning, and during autumn, the entire garden is ablaze with fiery reds and yellows—a breathtaking sight. A storehouse in a separate building is used as a gallery, regularly hosting photography exhibitions and other events. The garden is not a formal garden, but a 'shakkei' style garden that incorporates the surrounding mountains into the landscape. While simple, its location in a flat area surrounded by mountains allows for a truly magnificent view. It's a must-see attraction in the Matsushiro area.